Audi-owned Sauber may have a few more names to publicly add to its list of potential drivers for the 2025 season.
The team has the last major vacancy on the 2025 Formula 1 grid, but top drivers like Carlos Sainz have turned down the opportunity reportedly due to uncertainties about the upcoming new works project and Sauber's current struggles with performance.
Many speculate that current team driver Valtteri Bottas, 34, is the frontrunner for the seat, though the Finnish driver is reportedly seeking a contract longer than one year, which might not be available.
Mattia Binotto, who is overseeing the Hinwil-based team until Jonathan Wheatley steps in as the new team principal mid-next year, has indicated that he's not overly concerned about the situation since Nico Hulkenberg is already under contract.
"He has signed for a long time and we can draw on his experience," the former Ferrari chief told Sky Deutschland. "This will be a fantastic collaboration and reference for the team."
Binotto, 54, who only started his role "a few weeks" ago, also admits he's still undecided about whether to pair Hulkenberg with another seasoned driver or a promising young talent.
"I need to understand, look around, listen," he remarked.
At Monza, Binotto openly acknowledged that two rookies are under consideration: Theo Pourchaire, who is already affiliated with Sauber and has had a stint in Indycar this year, and Gabriel Bortoleto, a McLaren junior driver.
The 19-year-old Brazilian, Bortoleto, is a title contender in Formula 2 this year and recently claimed victory in the feature race at Monza.
Veteran Swiss F1 journalist Roger Benoit believes Audi-owned Sauber is "begging" McLaren to release Bortoleto, describing him as a "new Oscar Piastri."
Benoit, writing for Blick newspaper, suggests that Bortoleto, who is part of Fernando Alonso's A14 management group, is also pushing for at least a two-year contract.
Mick Schumacher, on the other hand, might be more inclined to accept a one-year deal to restart his stalled Formula 1 career.
"I know him (Schumacher) very well from the Ferrari academy," Binotto stated. "I know how strong he can be. He is on our list, like many others."
And regarding Mick's mentor, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, who is rumored to be exploring a return to Formula 1?
"I love Sebastian," said Binotto, the former Ferrari boss. "When you work with him, you can appreciate his class even more, as a person and as a driver."
"But we are not really in a hurry to decide," he added.
